Plates from a Tailor's Catalog of Men's Fashions 1915-16
In the early part of the 20th century men of means went to
their tailor to have their suits and overcoats made to order.
They selected a suit style and the fabric they desired from large
catalogs of men's fashions. Typically four men were pictured
on every page each modeling a suit with different lines and degrees
of conservatism. Gentlemen could choose from two, three, or four
button styles, long lapels, long wide lapels, and patch or flap
pockets. Some suits are described as being not too extreme while
others are described as ultra-fashionable. Tuxedos and cutaways
for daytime or evening formal occasions were of course custom
tailored. Norfolk jackets and Mackinaw's were available for outdoor
activities. One plate has several suits designed for the "corpulent"
man. The styles are characterized as graceful, distinctive, tasteful
and our personal favorite "striking and nifty." The
nine fabric samples that had been attached to the back of each
plate are long gone. Each plate measures 20.5" x 19.5"
The plates are slightly discolored.
Men's Fashion Plate #1 - Overcoats. Gentlemen playing shuffleboard
on an ocean line. (Stock number 003mfp01 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #2 - Overcoats. Gentlemen standing around
while other people ski. (Stock number 003mfp02 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #3 - Overcoats. Gentlemen standing around
while other people ice skate. One man is holding a pair of skates
but we doubt he would skate dressed as he is. (Stock number
003mfp03 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #4 - Overcoats. While the gentlemen stroll
in the country, an attractive woman drives past. One man is clearly
attired for motoring. (Stock number 003mfp04 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #5 - Several types of garment are pictured:
a clerical frock, a tuxedo, a Prince Albert frock and formal
evening dress. (Stock number 003mfp05 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #6 - Several types of garment are pictured:
a cutaway frock, the "corpulent" frock, and other cutaway
frocks. (Stock number 003mfp06 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #7 - Outdoor jackets: Norfolk jackets
and a Mackinaw. The models pose on a golf course. One holds
a folding camera. Slight water damage. (Stock number 003mfp07
$50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #8 - Business suits. Four businessmen
are watching the ticker tape. Two are wearing conservative suits
and two corpulent men are wearing jackets designed to slim. Slight
water damage. (Stock number 003mfp08 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #9 - Four fashionable suits are pictured.
Slight water damage. (Stock number 003mfp09 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #10 - Four men in fashionable suits are
pictured at a hotel. Slight water damage. (Stock number 003mfp10
$50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #11 - Four men at the foxhunt. Their
suits are described as "extremely swagger" and "extreme
dash.". Slight water damage. (Stock number 003mfp11 $50.00)
Men's Fashion Plate #12 - The plate pictures various cuff
designs, pocket flaps, caps, belts and vests. Slight water damage.
(Stock number 003mfp12 $50.00)
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